KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), in cooperation with the police, has dismantled a syndicate responsible for spreading fake SMS messages using illegal telecommunications equipment known as a Fake Base Transceiver Station (Fake BTS).
Acting on public complaints and intelligence, MCMC and the police launched an integrated operation, codenamed Op Pancing, which led to the arrest of a man operating a Fake BTS device from a vehicle parked near a shopping centre here recently.
In a statement today, the commission said checks showed that the communication equipment was functioning as an active Fake BTS.
“Frequency tests confirmed that the equipment was not only sending SMS messages containing false content and phishing links, but also messages promoting gambling to the public in the surrounding area,” the statement said.
Following the arrest, MCMC, with police assistance, seized 45 items worth about RM100,000 during a raid on a two-storey terrace house in Kota Kemuning, Shah Alam.
The commission said the premises was being used to store vehicles, including a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), as well as communication equipment related to the Fake BTS.
“The syndicate’s modus operandi involved modifying the Fake BTS equipment to operate as a mobile unit,” the commission said, adding that a statement had been recorded from the man to assist in investigations.
The case is being investigated under Section 239(1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 and Regulation 34(5)(c) of the Communications and Multimedia (Spectrum) Regulations 2000.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
